The Challenge
Millions of people living in transfrontier conservation areas rely on these natural spaces to provide food, energy and livelihoods for themselves and their communities. Peace Parks Foundation joins the global environmental conservation industry in recognising that the participation of Indigenous People and local communities is essential for the success of conservation initiatives. Much work remains to be done to ensure protected area development not only conserves, but also creates opportunities and benefits for human well-being in harmony with nature.
Our Solution
Through our Community Development Programme we aim to promote economic growth and development for people living in transfrontier conservation areas, based on the sustainable use of natural resources.
One Limpopo One Health
Peace Parks Foundation believes that everything is connected in nature and follows this approach when designing transformative programmes such as One Limpopo One Health which empowers local people to improve their livelihoods.
Landscape Rehabilitation
Protecting and restoring degraded landscapes in which communities live is a core focus of many of our projects. In Maputo National Park communities are employed to replant mangrove forests which sequester more carbon than any other ecosystem.
Cookstoves
Cookstoves reduce the consumption of wood and charcoal by approximately 30% and the greenhouse gas emittance by 80%, when compared to cooking on traditional open fires, offering benefits to both users and the environment.
Bee Keeping
Peace Parks Foundation develops and implements conservation-friendly agriculture programmes, led by communities, to enhance food security. Beekeeping aids biodiversity and produces honey which can be consumed or sold at markets.
Sustainable Fisheries
Community led fisheries management committees and councils work with Peace Parks Foundation to manage and regulate fishing practices in rivers, lakes and the ocean. Sustainable and eco-friendly fishing practices are encouraged.
Sustainable Agriculture
Peace Parks works with with small-scale farmers, bringing them together to learn how to solve food production problems through hands-on learning, monitoring of farming practices and improved decision-making by local communities.
Through years of experience, we understand that fostering community ownership and empowering Indigenous people and local communities is crucial for achieving conservation goals. The people who live in transboundary landscapes are essential partners, as their well-being is dependent on the natural resources found in the landscapes. We focus on working with people to establish effective and culturally sensitive governance structures while also fostering positive relationships that lead to sustainable landscape management.
Our Community Development Programme plays a central role in enhancing community resilience by promoting effective livelihood projects that benefit nature. This approach encourages inclusive decision-making processes and ensures equitable sharing of benefits.
Additionally, the programme facilitates cross-border community exchanges, knowledge sharing, and awareness-raising activities. This fosters a shared commitment to only taking what nature can restore, conservation-compatible income generation, eco-friendly agricultural practices, and making use of alternative clean energy solutions.
